Siminalayi Fubara on Friday night delivered an emotional speech as he received the Man of the Year award at the New Telegraph Award/Dinner Night in Lagos, saying his decision to embrace what critics call “weakness” was a deliberate choice made for peace and survival.
Speaking before a large audience of political leaders, business figures and guests, the Rivers State governor reflected on the political crisis that has shaped his administration since he assumed office in May 2023.
“Today for me is a very special day,” Fubara said. “It is also special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know for believing in me, you have a share of special pain.”
His remarks were seen as a direct reference to the political tension that erupted in Rivers State shortly after he took over from his predecessor.
Fubara said many people misunderstood his calm approach to the crisis. According to him, some described it as weakness, while others saw it as strength. But he insisted that he made a conscious decision.
“Some of these pains, some persons describe them as weakness, while others say it as being strong, but I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak, because I want peace. Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” he said.
He added a remark that is already stirring debate across political circles: “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
The governor thanked his family and the people of Rivers State for standing by him during what he described as months of political uncertainty.
“To the wonderful people of Rivers State that have shown support, shown quietness, shown maturity that has brought us this far,” he said.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, received special mention during Fubara’s acceptance speech.
In a move that surprised many observers, Fubara dedicated his award to Wike, despite the political standoff that has strained their relationship over the past year.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it, I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation, the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike,” Fubara said.
“He discovered me, and it is the discovery that gave me this loudness.”
The governor’s statement is significant because Wike played a major role in Fubara’s political rise. Before becoming governor, Fubara served in key positions in the Rivers State civil service, including as Accountant-General of the state. He later emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, widely believed to have been backed by Wike.
Wike governed Rivers State for eight years, from 2015 to 2023, and remained a powerful political figure in the state even after leaving office. Shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023, cracks began to appear in their political relationship.
The disagreement soon escalated into a full-blown crisis that divided the Rivers State House of Assembly. Lawmakers split into factions, with one group believed to be loyal to Wike and another backing Fubara. The situation led to impeachment threats against the governor and raised fears of instability in one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states.
At the height of the crisis, political tension in the state caused concern among residents and investors. Government activities were slowed, and public attention focused more on political drama than development issues.
Despite the tension, Fubara has repeatedly called for peace and reconciliation. His speech in Lagos suggests he is still open to mending fences.
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most important states because of its oil wealth and economic importance. Political stability in the state is closely watched at both the national and international levels.
The crisis between Fubara and Wike began just months after the new administration took office. Many observers described it as a power struggle over control of political structures in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly became the main battleground. Lawmakers loyal to both camps clashed over leadership and legitimacy. At one point, there were reports of attempts to remove the governor from office.
The situation drew national attention, with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party and other political stakeholders stepping in to mediate. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also reportedly met with key actors in efforts to restore calm.
Over time, tensions eased, though political differences have not completely disappeared. Government activities have gradually resumed, and public statements from both sides have become less confrontational.
Fubara’s speech on Friday appears to reflect lessons learned from the crisis. By describing “weakness” as a virtue, he seemed to suggest that compromise and restraint are sometimes necessary in politics.
Many Nigerians see political conflicts as a major cause of instability in the country. In several states, disputes between governors and their political allies have led to division within state assemblies and delays in governance.
However, critics argue that too much compromise can also weaken leadership and encourage political interference. They believe strong institutions, rather than personal relationships, should guide governance.
For many Rivers residents, the priority remains stability and development. The state faces challenges such as unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and environmental issues linked to oil production. Political calm is seen as necessary to address these problems.
At the Lagos event, Fubara appeared reflective and calm. He spoke not only as a politician but also as someone who has faced intense pressure.
His statement that “weakness is a virtue” may continue to spark debate in the coming days. But his public acknowledgement of Wike as the person who “discovered” him is likely to shape political discussions in Rivers State.
Whether the speech marks a turning point in their relationship remains to be seen. For now, it has reopened conversations about loyalty, power, and reconciliation in Nigerian politics.
As Rivers State moves forward, many will be watching to see if the governor’s call for peace leads to lasting unity or if old tensions resurface.